Religion · Literature · Politics · 1920–2005
Born: 18 May 1920 · Died: 2 April 2005 · Age: 84
Polish pope from 1978 to 2005, the first non-Italian pope in 455 years, who helped inspire the fall of communism in Eastern Europe
Did you know?He was a keen sportsman who enjoyed skiing and hiking, continuing these activities well into his time as pope.
John Paul II was one of the most travelled and visible popes in history, visiting more than a hundred countries during a reign of more than 26 years. Born Karol Wojtyła in Poland, he was the first non-Italian pope in over four centuries. His visits to communist Poland drew enormous crowds and helped inspire the Solidarity movement, which played a part in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe. He survived an assassination attempt in St Peter's Square in 1981 and later visited his attacker in prison to forgive him. He was declared a saint in 2014.
Pope John Paul II (born Karol Józef Wojtyła; 18 May 1920 – 2 April 2005) was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City from 16 October 1978 until his death in 2005. He was the first non-Italian pope since Adrian VI in the 16th century, as well as the third longest-serving pope in history, after St.
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Profile
Polish pope, born 1920
John Paul II was born in Wadowice on 18 May 1920.
He was born Karol Wojtyła.
He was Pope from 1978 to 2005.
He was declared a saint in 2014.
Career highlights
Did you know?He was the first non-Italian pope in 455 years.
Questions people ask
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